Page 24 of Stolen Bases

The things Nico is saying on record are horrible. Mamma is right—Nico needs to stop. He’s a talented baseball player, buthis actions shine a negative light on him. He looks arrogant and unlikeable.

How have I never noticed this before?

My stomach clenches with anger and disappointment at the way Nico has handled things. What could Cam have possibly done to garner this kind of animosity from my brother?

My phone buzzes with a message, pulling me from things I should not be thinking about.

Sofia:How’s it going in AZ?

I smile at my cousin’s message. I miss her. She’s my best friend. Closest in age, we shared a room growing up. It was hard when we were both young girls, but as we turned into teenagers, we connected. Run-of-the-mill high school and boy drama will do that for you. Well, her drama. I have never had a social life. Still don’t.

Talia:It’s okay, I guess. How’s the restaurant?

Sofia:Same. What’s wrong? Is Nico being a dick again?

If she only knew. Chewing on my lip, I mull over calling her while she’s texting. I need someone aside from my overbearing brother to help me see reason and stay away from Cam. Without a second guess, I tap her name.

She answers on the first ring without bothering to say hello. “So, Nic is being a dick, then?”

“Yes and no.”

“What does that mean?” I can hear the change in her voice; she’s very interested. Having grown up with Nico, she knows how temperamental he can be.

I hate to say it, but he’s kind of the stereotypical athlete: competitive, hot-headed, and cocky.

“Umm, I don’t know… Something kind of happened.” I gnaw on my lip again. I know I can trust Sofia not to say anything, but if she were to slip up … it could mess up all kinds of stuff. My relationship with Nico being the primary one.

“Okaaaay.” Dead air hangs between us as she lets me think things through before I speak. “Usually I’d give you more time, but Marco called in sick, so I have to head to the restaurant early for dinner service.”

“I think I’m in trouble.”

Sofia cackles into the phone like the Wicked Witch of the West. “You? In trouble?” She laughs again, enjoying my misery. “Girl, when have you ever been in trouble? Better yet, when have you ever done anything wrong?”

Her comment stings. I know she doesn’t mean it too, but still. Everyone thinks I’m a goody two-shoes who always has her head stuck in a book and never disobeys a rule, but that’s not true. I do stuff. Right?

No.

Okay, maybe she has a point.

“Let’s not go there. I need help, and I need you to help me.”

“Not sure how I can do that from here, but I’ll try.” She chomps on something crunchy.

I cringe. “Okay.” I pause and then say it as fast as I can like ripping off a band-aid. “So, I kind of … kissed Cameron Miller.” I wince at the admission.

“What?!” she screams, and I pull the phone away from my ear. “You kissed Cameron Miller? The hottest man in baseball? Ohmigod, tell me, how was it?”

Amazing. Mind-blowing. Best kiss Iever had.

I say none of that. It would be wrong to admit that out loud. “That’s not the point of this call.”

“It should be.” I can picture my cousin huffing in exasperation with me.

“Focus, please,” I whine.

“Sorry. What’s the problem?”

“Have you forgotten that Nico has sworn Cameron to be his eternal enemy for all time?”

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